Gordon & Macphail Glenlivet 1943 Whisky

Quite possibly the oldest and rarest scotch whisky we’ve ever encountered, this batch of Glenlivet 1943 was distilled at the Scottish distillery during the height of the Second World War – January 14, 1943. Many years later, in 2013, this historic batch was then bottled by Stephen Rankin, the great-grandson of the man who first distilled the batch – John Urquhart – making this scotch a 70-year, multi-generational work of art.

Initially called Cask 121, the batch split its lifespan between the Glenlivet distillery in a first fill Sherry hogshead cask for 24 years before getting transferred to Gordon & MacPhail’s warehouse for yet another 46 years. Tasting notes on the dram consist of a warm and approachable blend of coffee, milk chocolate, and burnt orange; a palate that delivers a viscous texture complete with bitter chocolate, wood spices, char, orange and rich Sherry notes; and a finish that’s long and lingering with coffee notes, burnt caramel, stewed fruit, and a nutty bitterness. Only 42 bottles are slated to be released.